Australian cricketing legend Brad Hogg is continuing his great work getting on the front foot for Australian farmers and rural communities, as the national ambassador for Grain Producers Australia’s (GPA) ‘Farmer Mates’ Mental Health program.
The new initiative was launched last year and is backed by a strong team of partners with GPA, Lifeline WA, Rural Aid and Nufarm Australia.
After a strong start in 2022, Mr Hogg has hit the ground running again in early 2023 speaking at a number of grains focussed events.
During January, he attended the GRDC’s ‘Summer Sesh’ forums in WA, including at the Bremer Bay Resort and Dunsborough Abbey Beach Resort.
This gave GPA’s national ambassador a great opportunity to speak to growers firsthand and share his personal story and messages about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention.
The two-time World Cup champion – who also hails from a farming family in WA’s Wheatbelt region – is scheduled to speak at three more events in March.
On Thursday 2 March, he is due to attend a free community mental health BBQ at the Lameroo Sports Club SA, run by Lameroo Forward Inc. The event is being staged by the group as part of funding provided through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).
On Thursday 9 March, he’s set to appear at a sundowner at Wharton Beach in Esperance for an event hosted by the #6Bs who share common aims with GPA’s program – to support initiatives and events that increase mental health awareness.
And then on Friday 17 March, the Ambassador is scheduled to be the guest speaker at the WAFarmers annual conference dinner, to be held at Mineral Resources Park in Perth.
The WAFarmers Grains Council is one of GPA’s state members, working together to represent growers on national policy and advocacy, along with other state farming groups in SA, NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania.
Last year, Mr Hogg kicked-off the GPA initiative by speaking at a number of fields days co-hosted with GPA’s state members, such as AgQuip in Gunnedah. Dates for more co-hosted events at field days in 2023 are soon to be finalised.
These forums are also supported by Rural Aid’s team of counsellors who attend on the day to chat with people and answer any questions; including to explain what counselling is all about and how mental health support can help provide support for farmers and their families.
Anyone interested in supporting this initiative can contact GPA directly to discuss how their community or farming group can also host an event, to help share these important messages.
Brad Hogg played in 123 One Day Internationals and seven test matches for Australia and is extremely proud of the work he’s doing with GPA and for Australia’s grain producers.
He said being able to share his story with farmers in an informal setting helps encourage other people to feel comfortable with sharing their own stories around mental health. “I’m proud to be working with GPA on this initiative, to share these important messages.
“This is a great way to help others recognise the signs they need to look out for with friends or family who might be struggling and encourage them to reach out for help when needed.
“We want people to know that they’re never alone, and that help is always a phone call away if they need it. It’s all about starting conversations that will make a positive change and help save lives.”
Lifeline offers 24/7 crisis support 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au or contact Rural Aid’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Team 1300 17 55 94.
